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| Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson dead at 75 |
Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a prominent figure in Democratic politics who also served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and as the energy secretary during the Clinton administration, peacefully passed away on September 1. This somber news was confirmed by the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. At the age of 75, Governor Richardson, a devout Catholic, left this world while resting at his summer residence in Chatham, Massachusetts. He is survived by his wife of over half a century, Barbara, and their daughter, Heather.
Mickey Bergman, Vice President of the Richardson Center, expressed, "Governor Richardson dedicated his entire life to the service of others, both during his time in government and throughout his subsequent career, where he tirelessly worked to free individuals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad." He emphasized Richardson's unwavering commitment, stating, "There was no person Governor Richardson would not speak with if it held the promise of returning a person to freedom." Bergman further praised him as a "champion for those held unjustly abroad" and as a cherished mentor and friend to many.
In honor of his legacy, a lying-in-state ceremony is scheduled to take place at the New Mexico Capitol Rotunda on September 13, followed by a funeral Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the following day. Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe will preside over the Mass, where the Archdiocese of Santa Fe will extend its deepest condolences to Governor Bill Richardson's family. Archbishop Wester acknowledged Richardson's profound dedication to public service, noting his pivotal role in ending the death penalty in New Mexico in 2010.
Quoting St. Irenaeus, Archbishop Wester said, "The glory of God is a human being fully alive," emphasizing that Richardson epitomized this sentiment through his full and meaningful life. He celebrated every role of service and cherished his connection with the people he served. Although he will be dearly missed, his legacy will endure for generations to come.
Bill Richardson's journey began in Pasadena, California, but his formative years were spent in Mexico City, where the Catholic Church played a central role in his upbringing. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared, "My mother was a very strong Catholic. My father was very religious, too, but he was a Protestant. My grandmother, especially, was very devout. She would teach me the prayers in Spanish, 'Padre nuestro, que estas en el cielo.' … I remember all those in Spanish. I still say them."
Richardson became an integral part of New Mexico's political landscape in 1983 when he was elected as the first representative of New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District, a position he held until 1997. Following this, he served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and later as the U.S. secretary of energy under President Bill Clinton. He subsequently returned to New Mexico and served as its governor for two terms. In 2008, he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination but did not secure it.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Joe Biden acknowledged Richardson's multifaceted career, saying, "Few have served our nation in as many capacities or with as much relentlessness, creativity, and good cheer." He continued, "He will be deeply missed." President Biden recognized that Richardson's most enduring legacy might be his work in securing the release of Americans held captive in some of the world's most perilous places.
Among Richardson's notable achievements, President Biden highlighted his efforts in bringing back American pilots detained by North Korea, American workers held by Saddam Hussein, and Red Cross workers imprisoned by Sudanese rebels. He emphasized Richardson's willingness to meet with anyone, travel anywhere, and do whatever was necessary to achieve these humanitarian goals. Notably, Richardson received multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize, the most recent of which occurred in August. This nomination followed his successful negotiation for the release of Brittney Griner, an American professional women's basketball player, who had been imprisoned in a remote Russian penal colony for illegal possession of cannabis oil.
In President Biden's words, "The multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations he received are a testament to his ceaseless pursuit of freedom for Americans." He also acknowledged the profound gratitude of countless families whose loved ones were reunited thanks to Richardson's dedication.
President Biden shared his personal connection with Richardson, recalling their time together in the Senate when Richardson served as a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He praised Richardson's unwavering passion for politics, love for America, and his belief in bringing people together, transcending differences. He concluded by describing Richardson as a patriot and a true original who will always be remembered.
In Memoriam: Bill Richardson, A Statesman and Advocate for Freedom.
